There is more to the Vegas area, however, than just the glitz and the glam, and other exciting destinations are a relatively short distance away. Access to national parks, hikes, and other outdoor recreation can be found close to the city limits or within a 4 hour or less drive.

Besides the aforementioned activities in Vegas, we also explored Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park (both located in Utah), toured Brigham Young's winter home in the town of St. George (also in Utah, naturally), followed a trail by Lake Mead which was once part of a railway that assisted with the construction of the Hoover Dam, and escaped the heat in Vegas by hiking to a waterfall in the nearby Mount Charleston Wilderness Area.Here's a more detailed look at where we went and what we did:

Zion National Park:

Bryce National Park:

Historic Railroad Trail: (near Las Vegas)

Mary Jane Falls: (near Las Vegas)

Click on the links below to learn more about the above destinations. Join us on Facebook for more pictures.

At this point, the first two episodes of our web series, Camping Fantastic, have been released. The third episode is in post production right now. Here is an outline of what you will find in the first two episodes:

Plenty of campsites can be found off Forest Road 550; you must camp in a designated area but there is no charge for camping. The dirt road is well maintained and easy to access with any vehicle but 4WD is suggested when snow is on the ground. The Colorado Trail is nearby for hiking opportunities.

-Food and Drink

We learn how to make the Spicy Rosemary Margarita, Ribeye Steak Bites, and the best camping dessert: the Banana Boat.